Half-day holiday for the Ram Temple ceremony to the Central Government Employees

Sources have indicated that government employees will be granted a half-day leave on January 22 to enable them to watch the live telecast of the grand consecration ceremony at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. Union Minister Jitendra Singh has officially confirmed this information, and a notification from the government has been issued to this effect. Central government offices, Central institutions and Central industrial establishments throughout India will be closed for half a day till 1430 hours on January 22, 2024

Read the order here

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reportedly gathered feedback from ministers regarding the preparations for the significant event. Ministers have been instructed to illuminate lamps in their homes, contribute to feeding the poor, and celebrate the day in a manner reminiscent of Diwali.

Not only this, but five states have also declared a holiday across all educational institutions on the day. States such as Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Goa, Chhattisgarh, and Haryana have announced that all educational institutions will remain shut on January 22 to mark the Ram Mandir consecration ceremony.

It is not only in India, but even the Mauritian government has approved a one-time special leave for two hours on January 22, 2024, for public officers of the Hindu faith so that they can attend local events marking the concentration of Ram Temple in Ayodhya

Furthermore, ministers have been tasked with organising trips to Ayodhya for the residents of their constituencies after the temple is opened to the public following the January 22 ceremony. They are expected to supervise the preparations and accompany their constituents on these trips.

Ayodhya, believed to be the birthplace of Lord Ram, is bustling with preparations for the pran pratishta ceremony, which Prime Minister Modi is slated to attend. Invitations have been extended to various public figures, including actors and cricketers.

However, opposition leaders, particularly those associated with the INDIA bloc, have declared their decision to abstain from the event. The main opposition Congress has characterised the BJP's involvement with the Ayodhya temple as a "political project" and stated that, while they respect the sentiments of those who revere Lord Ram, Congress leaders will not participate in the event.

Other opposition figures like Sharad Pawar and Arvind Kejriwal have also announced their decision to stay away, each citing their distinct reasons for doing so.